Low-Gravity Tank Capillary Gutters for Liquid Expulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid management systems in spacecraft tanks under zero or low-gravity conditions are complex, heavy, and inefficient, often requiring active components like pumps and heaters, and fail to effectively direct liquids to outlets due to fixed-width capillary channels and inadequate control surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of parallel capillary gutters with narrowing widths and depths on inner tank surfaces, forming a capillary drive to direct liquids to outlets, minimizing the need for additional devices and accommodating spacecraft maneuvers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pumps and heaters are used to manage liquids in zero-gravity conditions, then liquid expulsion reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank wall itself provides the liquid management function through integrated capillary gutters, eliminating the need for separate pumps and heaters. The structure serves both as containment and liquid direction, achieving self-service liquid expulsion through passive capillary action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical systems (pumps, heaters) with passive capillary action. The capillary forces inherent in the gutters structure automatically direct liquids without requiring external power or mechanical components, substituting mechanical systems with a physical phenomenon-based system.
2Quantity of substance
If wire sponges and perforated blades are used to attract and store condensation, then liquid collection is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the liquid collection function with the tank wall structure itself. The capillary gutters are integrated directly into the tank wall, combining containment and liquid attraction functions into a single structure, eliminating the need for separate wire sponges and blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank wall serves multiple functions: it contains the liquid, provides capillary action for liquid direction, and acts as the control surface for liquid attraction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated liquid management components.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple blades or condensation structures are spaced apart to cover tank surfaces, then liquid attraction coverage is improved, but residual liquid remains and storable volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tank wall into multiple capillary gutters distributed across the surface. These segmented gutters work together to provide comprehensive liquid attraction coverage while maintaining continuous contact with the liquid, preventing residual liquid accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary gutters provide localized enhanced attraction surfaces at critical locations within the tank. By strategically placing gutters where liquid accumulation is most likely, the system achieves effective liquid management without requiring complete surface coverage, thereby preserving storable volume.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-width capillary channels are used to transport liquids, then manufacturing is simplified, but the entire channel must be filled before reliably feeding the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed-width channels to variable-width gutters that narrow in the direction of flow. This dynamic width variation creates capillary drive that actively pulls liquid through the channel, eliminating the need for the channel to be completely filled and improving liquid transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter width parameter changes along the flow direction, narrowing from the inlet toward the outlet. This parameter change creates the capillary pressure gradient necessary for reliable liquid transport, allowing the system to function effectively without requiring the entire channel to be filled.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This passive system ensures efficient liquid expulsion by maximizing control surface area and capillary action, reducing weight and complexity, and effectively handling liquid migration during accelerations without active components.
Implementation Method 1
The gutters may include a proximal end directed toward the outlet and a distal end extending into the interior of the tank. A width of the open gutters may be narrowed in a direction of flow for establishing a capillary drive of condensed liquids toward the outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a method for collecting and directing liquid contents from a tank in a low-gravity environment to an outlet of the tank. The tank may have an inner wall lining the interior and hemispherical ends opposite each other which may define a longitudinal axis. The method may include forming parallel capillary gutters on control surfaces in the tank, with a proximal end of each gutter directed toward the outlet and a distal end extending into an interior of the tank. The control surfaces may include one or more of the inner wall, an axial vane, and a lateral plate through the longitudinal axis. The method may include terminating the proximal ends within a capillary distance of the outlet, and may include narrowing a width of the gutters in a direction of flow for establishing a capillary drive of condensed liquids toward the outlet.